Shenandoah Fatal Fire Still Having Effects

A fire in March in Shenandoah was a tragedy. A mother was able to save her son from the inferno, but she and three other children died.

Fire investigators said the damage was so bad, they are not sure if the home had smoke alarms. Now steps are being taken to expand the fire department’s smoke alarm program.

Two hundred and fifty smoke alarms were delivered by WNEP to the Shenandoah Fire Department. The devices are part of WNEP’s Operation Save a Life program. The alarms are made by Kidde. WNEP gives the alarms to fire departments in our area. They are then shared with residents.

Rick Examitas of the Shenandoah Fire Department said because some of the fire victims were children, his department is reaching out to schools. “We targeted the elementary bracket and we sent letters home to parents and to reply if they were in need of a smoke alarm ”

Some are taking advantage of the free smoke alarm program. Ivan Monjaraz is a parent and said he remembers the fatal fire. “I made the request because I have children and it was sad for us,” Monjaraz said.

The safety of Jeannette DeAngelo’s grandchildren is the reason she requested the smoke alarms. “The woman who lost her children. It’s a heart break for anybody to lose anybody,” said DeAngelo.

Melissa Beaudet is a parent and said having smoke alarms is being smart and safe. “You never know when a fire could break out, you could be cooking dinner, you could be sleeping, you never, never know,” said Beaudet.